If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe marries tender, flaky salmon with a luscious lemon garlic sauce that is rich yet bright, making every bite truly unforgettable. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick but still impressive enough to share or savor solo. Plus, the creamy sauce adds a delightful zing that elevates simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating a symphony of flavors — from the fresh lemon juice that adds a bright punch to the creamy richness of butter and heavy cream that give the sauce its velvety texture.
- Skinless salmon fillets: Choose fresh, high-quality fillets around 5 ounces each for perfect flaky texture.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps the marinade cling to the salmon.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that irresistible aromatic base in both marinade and sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang and depth to the marinade.
- Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the creamy foundation for the lemon garlic sauce without overpowering.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Thickens the sauce and lends a luscious mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh green pop and mild herbal note to finish.
- Lemon slices: Perfect for garnish and an extra hint of citrus.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the center. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly, getting that perfect tender middle while the exterior stays just a little caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. This mixture not only imparts incredible flavor but also keeps the salmon moist and succulent during baking.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and generously pour the marinade over each piece, making sure every bit is coated. Then season with salt and ground black pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels tender and juicy inside—this step is absolutely crucial to avoid any dryness.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
While the salmon is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 20 seconds—this quick step releases the garlic’s amazing aroma without it becoming bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, letting it thicken slightly. Off the heat, stir in fresh lemon juice if you want an extra zing, sprinkle chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what makes the recipe a showstopper.
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce generously over the baked salmon fillets. Let the fish rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. This step ensures every bite is rich, moist, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few lemon slices on top immediately brightens the look and flavor of the dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes soaked with a bit of butter or roasted garlic are classic companions that absorb the sauce fabulously. For a healthier touch, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus offer the perfect crisp contrast and balance out the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside a quinoa salad? For a dinner party, plating each fillet with a lemon twist and a sprig of parsley instantly elevates the presentation. You can even drizzle the sauce in an artistic zigzag to make the dish look as spectacular as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover salmon and sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate. The salmon will stay moist and flavorful for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy this dish even when life gets busy.
Freezing
While fresh is always best with salmon, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain texture and taste as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or warm on the stovetop just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the delicate salmon and alter the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! Salmon with skin on can add extra flavor and helps keep the fillet moist. Just place it skin-side down in the baking dish to get a nice texture.
Is it possible to make the creamy lemon garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer. Use olive oil instead of butter for a fully dairy-free sauce that still tastes amazing.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Your salmon should easily flake apart with a fork but remain moist inside. Overcooking drys it out, so check around the 10-minute mark to avoid going too far.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time for entertaining?
You can prepare the marinade and sauce a few hours ahead, but bake the salmon just before serving to keep it fresh and tender. This way, you’ll impress your guests with minimal stress.
What can I pair this dish with for a full meal?
Roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad toss work beautifully. The creamy lemon garlic sauce ties everything together with its rich, tangy flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or indulging yourself, this salmon recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal featuring tender salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy lemon garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe combines fresh flavors with a creamy sauce that complements the natural taste of the fish beautifully, making it an ideal dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 5 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the center to ensure even cooking of the salmon.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until well combined to create a flavorful marinade for the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the fillets, making sure each piece is well coated. Sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through but still moist and tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the salmon is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Let the sauce thicken slightly before removing it from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice (if using), chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Let the salmon rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to overbake the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the sauce to your taste preference.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor in both the marinade and sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, vegetables, or salad.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
